Starting a business is a commitment and requires dedication, resources and sacrifice. We asked some of the rising stars in our community how they thought through the idea of starting their own businesses.

Callie Cullum | Potter & Designer

I never set out to become a business owner, I went to school, got my Fine Arts degrees and began working in traditional 9-5 full time roles. After several years of this I realized that this lifestyle wasn’t serving me. My mental health was suffering, my physical health was suffering, and I generally wasn’t happy. So I decided to make a change. My dad is a business owner and built a really successful business so I talked with him through what it would look like to become a business owner and what would it look like if I trusted my intuition and went all in. Read more>> 

Carly Hitchens | President & Founder of The Bridge Between Animal Rescue

I was involved in the animal rescue world for a few years as a foster, volunteering with shelters and rescue organizations repeatedly before deciding to start my own nonprofit rescue organization. When I first started fostering, I thought to myself “one day a long time from now when I’m retired and my future children are grown, I want to run my own animal rescue”. However, the more involved I was and the more aware that I became of the severity of the animal welfare crisis in our country, I decided not to wait for “one day”, and instead, made the decision to start my rescue at just 24 years old. Read more>>

Catherine Brickey | WYLDSTAY Greenville Owner/Operator

Truthfully I was inspired by a stay at a property just outside of Yellowstone national park. Being a member of the military I was able to travel a lot and really love places that are able to combine the outdoors with some luxury. I also have a love for animals so glamping on my farm allowed me to combine my love for the outdoors with my love of animals all while sharing my passion with others. I love that people can come to a place of peace and relaxation while getting to experience a taste of farm life. Read more>>

Dial Up | 90s Cover Band

Dial Up was formed by a group of 90s kids who grew up loving the music and the culture of the decade. We’ve noticed the style and sound of the 90s making a comeback, and we’re all about it! Our goal is to create an immersive experience where people can relive that nostalgia—even if it’s just for a few hours. Bringing the laid-back vibes of the 90s to life and entertaining folks with the music we love is what we’re passionate about. Read more>>

Jonathan Poore | Organizer

I’ve always been a bit of a neat freak. I loved organizing the toy box more than playing with the toys. In my previous career I worked in visual merchandising. that is sort of like bring order to chaos daily, but not quite the same as what I do now. I would take side jobs helping people with organization on the weekends. It was so gratifying to see how what I did helped and brought peace to others. For years my best friend told me I should go out on my own. I was nervous to do that. I had a steady job with benefits but not the satisfaction. In 2018 I finally decided to pull the trigger. Read more>>

Sarah Appleby | Charleston Kids and Family Content Creator @littlesinthelowcountry

I love Charleston and the Lowcountry, it truly is one of the best places to raise a family. I know so many families are longing for opportunities to get out and enjoy all this area has to offer and it has been so fun to get to share those things with them. My biggest hope and goal with Littles in the Lowcountry is to get families out and exploring together. For them to create memories as a family that will last. Read more>>

Grae Turner | Owner of Ruby Grae’s Boutique

Ruby Grae’s Boutique was established right at the start of COVID. I have always wanted to own a boutique for women who love unique and fun pieces to wear. The Lord told me it was time and I haven’t looked back. I feel like I’m shopping for myself and get to share with so many women. Read more>>

Alsu Grosse | Hairstylist

Because I have a background in modeling and working on music, video sets, and movies in Atlanta, GA., as well as my experience in visual arts, I traveled to USA when I was sixteen years old on a art program from Russia. My art work was sold and also displayed at the Atlanta airport. I knew from early on my passion, which is definitely on the artistic and creative side. I decided to go into the beauty industry. Therefore, I enrolled in The Paul Mitchell School, and I knew right away that I had made the right decision. Read more>>

Nerick Perry | Owner of Mama’s Kindle Shop

I love to be creative and solve a challenge. So, when I became a stay-at-home parent recently, I had more time to rediscover my love of reading. Soon I had a Kindle and it needed to be cute. I started designing stickers that I loved, and my friend encouraged me to put them on Etsy because she knew other people would love them too. I really enjoy the flexibility that owning my own business gives me. I can take care of my kids and fill orders at naptime.  Read more>>

Tammy Hunt | Wine Enthusiast/ Influencer

“My thought process behind starting The Bougie Wine Experience was rooted in my desire to create a more approachable and inclusive atmosphere for wine enthusiasts, particularly women of color. I wanted to break the barriers and perceptions surrounding wine, making it something that everyone can feel comfortable exploring, no matter their background. By offering a mobile wine-tasting experience, I aimed to bring the world of wine right to people’s fingertips, allowing them to discover new varieties and develop their own tastes in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. Read more>>

Troy Looper | Firearms Instructor & Notary Public

My process was how could I make an impact to where I change the narrative to my family name and to the people of South Carolina at the same time while being true to myself as a black man in a predominately white industry. I answered the normal questions to myself for about a year what, why, where, how, and when until I came up with a realistic answer to each one of them. What am I doing? what am I going to do? What if I fail? Why am I doing this now? Where am I going to do this?  Read more>>

Lizzie Hill | Co-Founder North American Canicross

We, the founders of North American Canicross are 3 best friends (Alexis Karpf, Jacqui Johnson, Lizzie Hill) who met through a mutual love of dogs and competing in dog sports. We bonded over the adventure that was running with our dogs on trails, and together we found a love of the sport of canicross. Canicross is dog powered cross country running, using special harnesses, lines, and running belts to allow for the dog to pull comfortably while still absorbing shock and protecting their owner from injury. Read more>>

Amaura Alcantara | Nurse, Mom, & Digital Biz Owner

When I started my own online business, it was definitely a journey shaped by my personal experiences and the desire for a better work-life balance. Like many people, I found myself in a cycle of burnout from the daily grind. I was constantly juggling work responsibilities and family commitments, and I realized how crucial it was for me to reclaim my time and energy. Read more>>

Gayle Miller | Watercolor Artist

Prior business experience gave me a little edge. I was a State Farm Agent for over 20 years, in Maryland and California. In 2013 I opened an art gallery in Bloomington IL with three other artists. When I relocated to the Lowcountry I joined three member galleries and served as president of the Society of Bluffton Artists for three years.
Nancy Davis and I meet at GVL Art in Greenville where we both displayed our art. I respected Nancy’s art and her business acumen. When she approached me to open a gallery together I trusted our collaboration would be successful. Read more>>

Tony Bagnano, Mrp, Rene, Awhd | Father, Husband, Director, Mason, Realtor

Starting my own business in real estate was fundamentally an extension of my early desire to help people, a drive that initially led me into law enforcement. Growing up in challenging circumstances in the City of Newark NJ, and later serving as a police officer there, I encountered the complexities of urban life that often made it difficult to effect the change I hoped to see. Despite my efforts, the demands and constraints of that environment meant that my desire to help was never fully satisfied. Read more>>

Samantha Henkels | Owner of Hometown Relics

My thought process behind starting Hometown Relics was rooted in a love for history and home, as well as a desire to create a space where people could find unique, meaningful pieces to add character to their lives. Growing up, my family didn’t frequent antique stores due to financial limitations, but we always found ways to repurpose or hand down items. This instilled in me an appreciation for objects with stories behind them. Starting my own business gave me the opportunity to share that passion and offer others a chance to bring a bit of history into their homes. Read more>>